Ohio budget: Schools cautiously optimistic

CLEVELAND -- School districts are waiting for final details, but are cautiously optimistic about a new school funding plan.

The budget also includes the long-awaited school funding plan.

The overhaul, known as "Achievement Everywhere," was outlined last week to superintendents.

It totals $1.2 billion in additional funding to school districts over the two years.

But it does include some controversial elements, like increasing vouchers for students in low-performing districts and more funding for charter schools.

The big concern has always been the reliance on property taxes in Ohio's school funding system which has been ruled unconstitutional four times.

Kasich's plan would bring all schools up to the tax base level of a district with $250,000 in property value per student -- that would help poor school districts across the state -- high wealth districts won't see the same boost.

There is also a special fund with $300 million in additional money to reward districts with grants for innovation and efficiency.

This is a proposal, so the legislature will still have to approve this plan.